Service League of Cherokee County Georgia Inc

The Service League of Cherokee County provides food, rental and utilities assistance, medical/dental/vision care, eyeglasses, scholarships, and more to identified children in need. A portion of the funds raised is utilized to fulfill special needs like field trips, band equipment/uniforms, specialized equipment, and supplies. The Service League awards scholarships each year to deserving high school students, provides Christmas presents for children whose parents may not be able to afford them, and donates to Give a Kid a Chance and Must Ministries Summer Lunch Program. 

In the Service League year of May 2021 to April 2022, the League spent $103,184 on casework, Christmas gifts, and scholarships. Casework includes basic needs, housing, utilities, and medical/dental/vision appointments. In addition, the League donated $1,000 to each school in Cherokee County, totaling $40,000. The schools used the money to assist children with things such as new shoes, coats, food pantry items, and much much more. In April, the Service League held a benefit/fundraiser Gala where a member of the Cherokee County community was nominated and recognized for her philanthropy. Half the proceeds were donated to Must Ministries.

The Service League of Cherokee County raises money by holding several small fundraisers such as cookbook sales, mum sales, and numerous passive fundraisers, but mainly through three large fundraisers: 

Golfing Fore! the Children: Held every June at a golf course in Cherokee County, golfers of all skill levels compete for bragging rights and to support the League’s efforts to raise money to help children in need.

Riverfest Arts & Crafts Festival: Since 1984, Riverfest has been held the last full weekend in September. The festival has grown to more than 130 vendors and concessionaires and more than 22,000 attendees from the Atlanta area and Cherokee County. The festival is held on the banks of the picturesque Etowah River Park in Canton, GA. This annual festival is the flagship fundraising event where all funds raised are used to support the county's children.

Run for the Children Reindeer Run 5k & Fun Run: A 5k & fun run led by Santa, the race is held the first Saturday in December in Etowah River Park in Canton, GA. The Run for the Children, started in 2002, is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier certified by Classic Race Services. The Service League awards the school with the most runners a $1000 donation. All other profits support children in Cherokee County.

Founded in 1935 at the height of the Great Depression, the Service League of Cherokee County is the oldest volunteer service organization in Cherokee County, Georgia. With its deep roots and rich heritage of caring for children who are in need, the League has grown from its 9 charter members to today’s membership of 100 volunteer women, each of whom committed to 10 years of active membership and a minimum of 50 hours of service each year. Collectively, women in the Service League contribute more than 10,000 hours each year in volunteer service. The Service League of Cherokee County has no paid employees.

To learn more about the Service League of Cherokee County, visit ServiceLeague.net.